3. Heartthrobs

4. The craic

We're known globally for our quick wit and clever comebacks, and it's also well known that you can find craic in every nook and cranny of Ireland if you look hard enough.

We're chock-a-block full of it, without even realising. Sure if Hector, Tommy Tiernan and Dylan Moran can find craic in Navan, there's hope for us all.

5. Tunes

There's really nothing like Irish trad music, and whether you love it or loathe it – you can't deny that you're favourite part of Titanic is when their on the ground floor swinging each other around with the good craic peasants.

And if trad really isn't your buzz – don't forget that Ireland also claims some of the best music of the world: U2, The Corrs, Thin Lizzy, The Cranberries, and more recently Kodaline, The Script, Little Green Cars and Westlife.

6. Our temperate climate

And yes, it does piss rain at times, but the weather also doesn't burn our skin, cause drought, flood or freeze over everything (most of the time). Also there's a grand stretch in the evening to be had over the summer that can't be beaten.

7. Pubs

While it's true to say that it's possible to see Irish pubs all over the world, they're always pretty shite in comparison. We have hundreds of thousands of excellent, authentic pubs all over the country which are dripping in atmosphere and can boast whopper pints.

8. Culture

We are the land of saints and scholars and have culture coming out of our ears, which you can see it in plaques, statues and cathedrals dotted around the country. There's more culture in a square mile in Ireland than there is in most places in the world, and we're pretty bloody proud of that.

9. Having a sound president

Michael D is, at the end of the day, one of the lads. And he's a good lad to have captaining our ship. He keeps it real while sticking up for the little man – and also is an absolute dote. What more could you want?

10. Food

Because the whole country is so green and we get buckets of rain it means we can grow the best. It also means that our meat and dairy taste way better than anything you'll get in other countries, and why we're such a big dog exporter. Our foodie industry is ever-growing and you will never be left wanting because of this.

Also we live in the land of potatoes – which make crisps, chips and vodka.

11. Waves

While the Atlantic is cold, it's worth it for all of the cracking water sports Ireland has to offer. Weekends away in Lahinch and Mullaghmore are unforgettable because of this.

12. Hurling

The most exciting sport in the world. Fact.

13. Paddy's Day

No one else does it like we do. Even the Yanks with their notions can very quickly ruin it by uttering 'Patty's Day'. Or even worse, 'St. Patty's Day'.

14. Neutrality

There might be reason for panic all over the world but we've the luxury of keeping out of it. People like us, we like them, which means no grudges with other countries, no wars to send our kids off to and the ability to sleep sound at night.

15. And finally, the Gardaí

Unlike policemen the world over, the Gardaí are a great bunch of lads, who'll let you off with no tax if you're sound and will share a drink with you when they're off duty.